Bike Mechanics

Bike Mechanics

Bike Mechanics

Learn to service and repair bicycles and gain a qualification to give you the skills to get you work ready.

Knowledge and nature come together here at Central. Learn to assemble, adjust bicycles and fit accessories or take your skills further and learn how to diagnose faults, overhaul and rebuild bicycles with our Level 3 and Level 4 Certificate in Bicycle Mechanics programmes. Each programme is delivered over 18 weeks including 3 block courses (1 week each) held at our Central workshop facilities.

Gain the skills you need to stand out in this rapidly growing industry. This relatively new qualification provides a blend of online learning and practical block courses held in our fully-equipped workshop to enable you to fit your study around other commitments. In addition, work experience opportunities will allow you to get a great first foot in the door of industry.

If you’re already in the bicycle industry, this is a great opportunity to receive official recognition for your current knowledge and skills - ideal if you’re keen to advance your career! If you aren’t already involved but have some bicycle mechanical skill, this programme will enable you to fill the gaps in your knowledge so you are industry ready.

New student accommodation for Central Campus

“The Bicycle Mechanics programmes are a perfect option for school-leavers, or those after a career change, that are keen to be equipped with the right knowledge to take their place in a growing industry that aligns with their passion”.

Jordan GilmoreLecturer in Bicycle Mechanics

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Our partner organisation for delivery of the Bicycle Mechanics programmes is Cornerstone Education. Find out more about them at

Teaching the right skills for the job

“I always warn the parents at prize-giving: ‘Look out – don’t be surprised if you come home to find your car in bits!’”

Richard is a lecturer at the Central Lakes Trade Academy in Cromwell, where he teaches high school students practical automotive skills in the Foundation to Automotive Engineering course. This course leads to Central’s pre-apprenticeship automotive programme.

Richard enjoys finding different ways of explaining concepts and encourages students to problem-solve on their own, rather than always relying on instruction manuals. “It’s a great subject to teach – watching students learn through trial and error, and seeing the progress they make.”

Job prospects in this area are growing, but businesses are becoming more selective about who they hire. Employers want specific skills – and they want mechanics who are properly trained and qualified. “We pride ourselves on training mechanics with the right skills for today’s job market,” says Richard.

One of the most rewarding ways to travel

Whilst completing a B.E. and Ph.D. (Mechanical Engineering) Jordan Gilmore, Lecturer for the Bicycle Mechanics programmes, developed an appreciation for “what can be achieved using a mechanically simplistic but incredibly functional machine”.

Jordan enjoys the bicycles low impact applicability to transport, recreation, sport, and tourism/adventure. He has ridden in many parts of the world, serves on the local road cycling club committee, and races competitively, including at the Tour of Southland.

Jordan speaks highly of the uniqueness bicycles bring to a tourism experience. “Bicycles are one of the most rewarding ways to travel. The world passes at an ideal pace; fast enough to travel efficiently, yet slow enough to immerse yourself along the way”.